Using pain relievers safely: Question and answer set you need to know

Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is an over-the-counter medication widely used to relieve pain and reduce fever. However, when taken in excess, acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage and death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made some specific recommendations for the safe use of acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer found in many over-the-counter products (sold without a prescription) including Tylenol, non-aspirin-free Anacin, Excedrin, and many cold medicines. other cold. In addition, acetaminophen is also found in the ingredients of many prescription drugs.
On the market, medicines containing acetaminophen are available in many dosage forms such as syrup, drops, capsules and hard tablets.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (Food and Drug Administration), acetaminophen is an important and widely used drug for pain relief and fever reduction. The drug is considered safe when used according to the indications and dosages of the product information leaflet. However, when using Acetaminophen pain reliever in excess of the allowed dose, the drug can cause liver damage, manifested through abnormal indicators in blood tests, liver function tests, leading to acute liver diseases. , liver failure and even death.

It's important to use pain relievers like acetaminophen or any other medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or the directions on the label because this is a common medication that can be taken without a prescription. requires a doctor's prescription. However, taking too much of it to varying degrees can be risky.
Here is some specific advice from the US Food and Drug Administration (Food and Drug Administration) when using the pain reliever acetaminophen:
Read all the information your doctor provides and instructions use of the product. Follow the instructions on the "Drug Information" labels of over-the-counter products. Understand the dosage of the drug: how much acetaminophen to take at one time, how often can take more acetaminophen, the total number of acetaminophen doses per day, when to stop using acetaminophen and see your doctor for advice. Do not exceed the recommended dose of medication when pain does not improve or does not reduce fever Do not take more than one medicine containing acetaminophen. Check the ingredients of all medications you're taking, to make sure no more than one medicine contains acetaminophen at a time. Be aware that some prescription drug labels may abbreviate acetaminophen as "APAP." Ask your doctor before taking acetaminophen if you drink alcohol or alcoholic beverages, have liver disease, or use warfarin.

The answer is yes. The same principles of pain medication that apply to adults also apply to children:
Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen, both prescription and nonprescription. Follow the instructions of your doctor and pharmacist exactly. The Food and Drug Administration recommends the following steps when administering acetaminophen in children:
Choose the right medication based on the child's weight and age. See your doctor, pharmacist for advice or read the instructions carefully to know the right dose for your child. Use measuring devices to get the exact dose of the drug. Parents absolutely do not use a spoon used for cooking or eating to measure the amount of medicine to use. If there is no measuring device that comes with the medicine, parents need to ask the pharmacist before using it.

Record the dose and timing of the child's medication. Store all medications in locked boxes, cabinets, and out of reach and reach of children.

Go to the nearest medical facility for advice when taking an overdose of acetaminophen even if you don't experience any unusual signs. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration notes that signs and symptoms of liver damage may not be obvious and may not be noticeable hours or even days after taking acetaminophen. . By the time they notice unusual symptoms, the patient can have serious liver damage and even death.
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Translation source: webmd.com

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